Big Bear Valley, CA — Our roads are looking better each day and though there are no chain requirements for any roads in the Big Bear Valley, or on Highways 18, 38 and 330 [as of Friday morning, January 29], drivers may find that chains are of benefit, especially on some residential roads, getting over driveway berms, and in potentially icy, shaded areas. Whether or not you choose to use chains on your vehicle today, it is the law to carry chains when traveling in the mountains during the winter months. Drivers should also be advised to proceed with caution and at a speed safe for conditions, especially as large snow berms have created blind spots at most intersections. As for off-the-mountain travel, the restriction for big rigs and buses remains in effect for Highway 18 the back way to Lucerne Valley. Big rigs and buses are allowed to travel both up and down Highway 38, and are allowed for upbound travel on Highway 18 from Running Springs to the Big Bear Dam, at which point they are being directed to enter Big Bear along the North Shore through Fawnskin. (Update as of Friday afternoon: On Highways 18/330, trucks may only go downhill, and still through Fawnskin. No upbound trucks or buses on 330/18.) For updated road information, check the KBHR Big Bear Road Conditions page before hitting the road.
As of yesterday afternoon, UPS is no longer stationed at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center, as so many customers picked up their packages and roads are such that UPS will be able to deliver the remaining packages. UPS customers with questions can call 1-800-PICK-UPS.
And, just a reminder, today is yet another snow day for students of Bear Valley Unified School District. It is expected that bus routes will be safe for student travel next week, so BVUSD expects to resume classes on Monday, February 1.
It will be a great weekend to hit the slopes, as both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit have a packed powder base of four to six feet, with mostly sunny skies expected in the Big Bear Valley through Sunday. Both resorts offer half-day session today, starting at noon, and night skiing will be available at Summit both tonight and tomorrow, and every Friday and Saturday into March. During peak periods, lift ticket reservations are recommended, and available via BigBearMountainResorts.com.
